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The Co-op tests 'pay in aisle' cashierless technology

UK grocery retailer the Co-op is trialling a way for customers to check-out their purchases within the aisles without the need to ever visit the till.

Built in partnership with Mastercard, an app enables customers to use their phones to scan the items they pick up around the store through their device’s camera. Once they have scanned all the items they need, customers then just have to tap a single button and the amount is deducted from their bank account.

The app also links to a customer’s Co-op membership account, so it can tell them how much they have saved and how much the Co-op will donate to local good causes following their visit.

“It is a challenging market place for retailers, and the Co-op is responding positively. Our ambition is to harness technology to deliver the shopping experience that our diverse customer-base requires – when, where and how they need it,” said Matthew Speight, director of retail support at the Co-op.

“It is all about consumer choices and convenience. We listen to our members and customers and we are investing in our stores, people, prices, products and technology. We recognise there are many communities where customers pop in to their local Co-op and enjoy a friendly chat – it is all part of the service. Whereas for others, perhaps with a train to catch or on a school run, every second can count as consumers seek increased convenience.”

The initiative is currently being trialled in the Co-op store at the retailer’s support centre in Manchester, with plans to rollout to more locations as early as this summer following a further trial at the Co-op store in Microsoft’s UK headquarters.